BIO

George Birkadze

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Birkadze's primary dance training began at the National Academy of Dance of Tbilisi  with Vakhtang Chabukiani. Upon moving to Moscow he was invited to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy under the direction of Genady Ladiah where he graduated with Honours in Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, and Traditional Dance.

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Birkadze was awarded the Gold Medal in Moscow for his brilliance in World History and Literature. During his dance studies, he obtained his Diploma in Business Administration with a Master in Art Direction, and Public Relations and Marketing. Upon graduating from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, he furthered his studies as a Pedagogy in Dance.

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In September of that same year, under the direction of Ekaterina Maximova, he joined the Kremlin Ballet, with directors Erick Volodin and Andrei Petrov.

Birkadze has interpreted numerous roles with great success, some of which include works by Y. Grigorovich, A. Petrov and V. Vasiliev for which he was awarded the Silver Medal in Russia and the Bronze Medal in Luxembourg in 1996.  During his professional career he has worked closely with Natalia Makarova, Christopher Wheeldon, Stanton Whelch, as well as many other great inspirations in the world of dance today. 

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Birkadze danced and choreographed throughout Europe and in 1999, was promoted to Principal Dancer in the Young Ballet of Catalonia.  Birkadze was also named Artistic Director of BMK Company, bringing elite dancers from around the world to perform in their galas.

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In 2002, Birkadze began creating works for world renowned dancer Angel Corella, for whom he would continue to create works in years to come. During this time Birkadze also participated in numerous productions at the Gran Teatre del Liceu of Barcelona and taught in the most prestigious schools in the city. He continued to work with Angel Corella, creating Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew, Celaje, and numerous other ballets for Corella's company, Stars of American Ballet, which would later become, Corella Ballet Castilla y Leon.  In 2010 Birkadze joined the Sarasota Ballet at the rank of soloist and choreographed for their company.  

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He has since created works for companies throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States to critical acclaim.  Birkadze taught at the esteemed Boston Ballet, while he continues to travel internationally for his choreography, teaching, galas, and other artistic ventures.

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Birkadze is currently Artistic Director of the Classical Training Program at The Dallas Conservatory. He is based out of Dallas, TX, with his wife, American ballerina Ashley Ellis, and their two children.